Outlook: Developing depth with low numbers will be the trick for coach John Karl.

"I have a good core of individuals, but we are low on numbers overall," Karl said. "I believe we can be a really good tournament team because of our strong individuals. I expect to have three to five state qualifiers in February."

Outlook: The Evergreens return eight wrestlers from last year's varsity lineup giving the team a solid core.

"The challenge for us will be to have our experienced wrestlers consistently do their job, while our new guys learn throughout the year," coach Eric Lehrke said. "We have a good group of wrestlers who are working hard and seen to have good team chemistry."

Edgar

Edgar

Coach: Kevin Koch

Last year: Marawood Conference and regional champions, team sectional runners-up

Outlook: The Wildcats won their eighth straight Marawood Conference title and that of course is goal No. 1. And their preseason No. 2 raking by the Crossface has them thinking of a state team appearance.

"It's a new year and a different team, but we feel we have a chance to accomplish some big things," coach Kevin Koch said. "We have some really talented individuals and great leadership, but we don't have the numbers I'd like, so depth might be a concern."

Outlook: Numbers are good in the Tigers practice room with 40 wrestlers, including 11 returning letterwinners, and that will be one of Marshfield's strengths as it looks to improve on last season's results.

"Hopefully, the experience the guys got last year will show up on the mat this year," Tigers coach Don Lang said. "They have a lot to prove to themselves and are hungry to get out onto the mat."

Outlook: Coming into the season ranked No. 2 in Division 1, the Bluejays are looking to improve on a strong season last year with a young team.

"We set up a tough schedule for this team and we wrestle in the toughest conference in the state," coach Scott Arneson said. "We have three teams in the conference that are ranked in the preaseason and we could have more before the season ends. There will be no nights off in the Valley and we're preparing our kids to be ready in late in the season."

Outlook: "We are looking forward to a great year and looking to improve on our runner-up conference finish from last year," coach Kyle Olund said. "We didn't fill a couple weights last year, and it cost us in the tournaments at the end of the year. Our underclassmen are working hard to make sure we fill our lineup."

Outlook: "We lost a lot to graduation last year so we are going to have some young inexperienced kids wrestling at the varsity level," NGL coach Scott Bryant said. "We hope we will continue to improve as the season goes on."

Outlook: The Papermakers lost only two seniors from last year's conference championship team, giving coach Scott Thurber plenty of optimism.

"Our veteran guys worked hard in the off season to improve their skills, by attending camps and tournaments," Thurber said. "What is impressive about this group so far is their work ethic and experience."

Outlook: "The attitude and work ethic in the practice room has been great so far," coach Duane Groshek said. "We compete in one of the best wrestling conferences in the state and we are in a new regional this year with the rest of the conference teams, so there will be no easy way to get to state, but hopefully, we will be up for that challenge."

Outlook: "We are fairly solid in the light and upper weights, but we will need our guys in the middle to step up," co-coach Joe Schwabe said. "We have some injuries that have set us back, but we'll battle in our conference dual meets. We have a tough conference this year. Most of the schools graduated maybe one or two guys."

Tomahawk

Tomahawk

Coach: Bob Garrou

Last year: 16-1 dual record, Great Northern Conference champs.

Returning state qualifiers: Austin Bellile (195, 39-2 sr., qualifier)

Outlook: Tomahawk has 44 wrestlers out for the team and will have its eye on repeating as GNC champs.

Outlook: The Warriors return a solid core of state qualifiers, led by champion Colin Baine and return 11 wrestlers who were on last year's state team semifinal squad.

"The guys have shown a strong work ethic and focus this early in the season," coach Troy Fabry said. "We have a solid lineup from top to bottom and that will make us a very good dual meet team. We have a very competitive schedule that will that will test us every week to get us to where we need to be in February and March."

Outlook: The Raiders won their 21st state crown last year, but graduated a powerful senior class. Ben Campbell is the lone returning individual state qualifier, but six other wrestlers return from last year's state team.

"This is a new young group we have this year and we're going to be a work in progress," coach Scott Benitz said. "The guys are working hard and learning what we are teaching. It will be exciting to see how this team develops as the season progresses."